Cat Hacks You’ve Never Heard Before

“I’m bored!”
It’s a common misconception that cats are a “set it and forget” type of pet. In actuality, cats need a lot more than full food and water dishes. Mental stimulation is necessary to keep your feline happy, as they’re naturally keen predators. Try making a kitty maze from discarded cardboard boxes, or DIY kitty toys made from common items like toilet paper rolls and paper towel rolls.

“Scratching is natural and essential.”
If you didn’t know any better, you might think scratching furniture and carpets is naughty behavior. But did you know that scratching is essential to your kitty’s well-being? Scratching not only conditions your cat’s nails and nail bed, but also helps them stretch their muscles, and mark their territory. If Fluffy is destroying your furniture, get them a scratching post or two to meet their needs. For furniture scratchers, upright posts work great; for carpet scratchers, floor posts or mats do the trick. When purchasing scratchers, try to find one with a material similar to kitty’s favorite forbidden scratching areas.

“I get most of my moisture from my food.”
Domestic cats evolved from desert dwelling ancestors, and are naturally designed to get their water from food. Dry food contains 5-10% moisture, while wet food is as high as 75%. If your pet is showing signs of dehydration or urinary tract problems, try increasing the amount of moisture in their food. This often helps dry skin issues as well.

“I need dental care, too!”
85% of cats have periodontal disease before their 6th birthday! When you start to notice gunk building up on the surface of the teeth, or any redness/swelling near the gums, this is usually an indication that a cleaning is needed. Most veterinarians offer dental cleaning/teeth scaling services at their facility. In addition to regular cleanings, it is important to establish a regular teeth brushing routine at home. Poor oral health can lead to bigger problems, such as kidney issues, down the road.

“I can tell you A LOT with my body.”
Cats communicate a great deal of information without ever voicing a peep! Pay attention to your cat’s ears, eyes, and muscle tension. In addition to body language, your kitty’s meows may be deceiving you as well! Cats often vocalize when they’re hungry, and purr when they’re content. But like a human smile, purring could mean your cat is nervous, anxious, or thrilled. Purrs vibrate at 25-150HZ which is also the frequency that assists in physical healing and bone mending. So when kitty is purring during their nap, they’re actually working to keep their bones strong!